Transcript

00:00:01

>> Searching for deadly secrets buried in Afghanistan's hills, millions of landmines, a legacy of the Soviet invasion decades ago. The weapons are still killing people, nearly 30 just from April to June of this year, creating an atmosphere of fear. These are the men on the front line.>> I love this job because I can rescue our people from deadly threats and that gives me huge pride.

00:00:25

>> Now the huge campaign to clear out the mines is in danger of stalling as international aid dries up. And the timing couldn't be worse. Reuters Josh Smith says, a resurgent Taliban is complicating things.>> War is intensifying in many places around the country, which has made it more dangerous and many times impossible for demining organizations to get in and do the clearance work that they need to do.

00:00:50

Miners have faced kidnapping, as well as death. In other risks outside of the already dangerous work of clearing the mines.>> Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Deaths from mining explosions have fallen sharply from a decade ago but the country is still far from it's 2013 goal of being mine free.

00:01:10

In thousands of sites across the country, death still waits under foot.>> It takes an especially high toll on children who represent 80% of the casualties from land mines and other unexploded ornaments. Children often do not know where they're stepping and they also pick up these old objects which can explode at any moment.

00:01:32

>> Last year funding for demining hit just over half of what it required. Officials fear this year's total may not be enough as international spending shifts to conflicts like Syria and Iraq. While everyday, Afghans may risk their lives just walking down the road.